There has been a 150 percent increase in the amount of rape cases dealt with in the Clare Garda Division.

Ten incidents have been reported to Gardaí from January to September this year comparable with four in the same period in 2018. An eight percent rise in the amount of non aggravated sexual assaults were reported to Gardaí, up from twenty four to twenty six.

“We know the majority of these are historic claims,” Chief Superintendent Seán Colleran outlined at the October meeting of the Clare Joint Policing Committee. “The figures we want to see coming down are, there is a reason for these ones going up”.

More domestic incidents are also being reported in the county. Barring, safety and protection orders have been breached 45 times this year in comparison to 26 in 2018, a 73 percent difference. 291 domestic disputes have been dealt with by Clare Gardaí so far this year, the figure was 226 for the same time-frame last year.

Chief Supt Colleran stated, “I welcome the increase. These cases weren’t being reported before. People are now comfortable to come forward and report these crimes to the Gardaí. The stigma has been taken out of it”.

Cllr Mary Howard (FG) said the increase in six rape cases was “frightening”. The Ennis representative questioned what sanctions were in place for individuals who do not comply with barring orders. “It is very much case dependent,” Colleran confirmed, he said that certain restrictions may be in place.

Madeline McAleer, a Clare PPN representative on the committee felt it was “very difficult” to track what happens next after personnel are guilty of breaching barring orders. “We in Clare have been very active on the issue of domestic abuse, hopefully the good work will continue”.

If you’ve been affected by any of the contents in this article, please contact Rape Crisis Midwest (1800-311-511), One in Four (01-662-4070) or visit rapecrisishelp.ie.

Related News

jarlath burns 1-2
GAA President Burns to maintain Scariff Harbour Festival's links with Northern Ireland & GAA
michael mcnamara 3
AI offers generational opportunity for Mid-West to become Ireland's digital home - McNamara
shannon airport departures 1-2
Passenger numbers up 7% to 1.04m for first half of 2025 at Shannon Airport
shannon airport fencing 2
Shannon Airport install new security fencing following recent breaches

Advertisement

Latest News
shannon airport departures 1-2
Passenger numbers up 7% to 1.04m for first half of 2025 at Shannon Airport
shannon airport fencing 2
Shannon Airport install new security fencing following recent breaches
1 DSC_9466
'There's no way we're not going to go again' - O'Donnell says no decisions made but exits from Clare camp unlikely
Killaloe-bridge
Trial pedestrianisation period announced for Killaloe to Ballina Bridge
brendan o'mara
Two Gardaí working full-time on case of €10m drug seizure involving Meelick ex Ryanair pilot
Premium
monaghan v clare 29-06-25 roisin considine jennifer duffy 1
Monaghan make their mark & send Clare out of ladies football championship
éire óg v doora barefield 29-06-25 cusack cup 1
Éire Óg win Cusack Cup for second time with dominant extra time display
waterford v clare minor 28-06-25 liam murphy gearoid o'shea james o'donnell 1
Déise deserving winners over Clare in All-Ireland minor final
tipperary v clare camogie 28-06-25 niamh costigan roisin begley 1
Tipp thump Clare but Carmody's charges still have All-Ireland quarter-final to look forward to
laurel lodge 07-11-23 3
Laurel Lodge resident further remanded in custody for alleged assault of retired judge

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Advertisement